A DRUNKEN yob who swung a police baton around a hospital ward and injured two nurses and a police officer has been jailed.

Stephen Cameron attacked as accident and emergency nurses at James Cook University Hospital tried to treat him.

The 24-year-old kicked, punched and used a police baton during the rampage before he was carried from the Middlesbrough hospital by police.

At Teesside Crown Court, Judge Les Spittle jailed Cameron, of Leven Street, Middlesbrough, for nine months. He said: “It was an outrageous incident. The matter is so serious that drunkenness will not and cannot be an excuse. It is very convenient for you to be able say afterwards ‘I can’t remember’.”

The court heard the episode occurred at about 6.20am on June 2. Staff nurse Suzanne Griss was asked to assist a doctor who was dealing with a patient “in a clearly, highly intoxicated state”, prosecutor Jo Kidd said.

Cameron refused to be examined and used swearing and threatening language. Police were called and as PC Eve Mountain arrived Cameron was still being aggressive and landed a kick on nurse Griss’ chest.

Miss Kidd said: “The police officer tried to locate further back-up and went for the baton. Mr Cameron took that opportunity to seize the baton from her and flick it out and started swiping it about.”

PC Mountain was hit on the thigh and nurse Mark Nevison came to help. He got Cameron out of the cubicle area but was punched, his glasses knocked from his face.

Cameron continued to fight as further officers attended and he was strapped down and carried out. He later claimed to have no memory of the incident.

Mitigating, Ian Mullarkey said: “He described himself as being pathetic after hearing what went on that night.” Mr Mullarkey said Cameron was on medication for an ear complaint and the mix of alcohol and medication may have played a part.

“Clearly he is deeply ashamed and regretful at what went on,” he added.